Four storylines as Seahawks begin mandatory minicamp

After wrapping up organized team activities last week, the Seahawks’ offseason program continues with a three-day minicamp that begins Tuesday.

The rules are the same in terms of what is and isn’t permitted during practices – most notably, no live contact in either.

The biggest difference between the two: OTAs are voluntary whereas minicamp is mandatory for veteran players who are under contract. Skipping all three days would subject a player to more than $75,000 in fines (the fine schedule from Day 1 through 3, according to Pro Football Talk, is $12,765, $25,525 and $38,290).

For that reason, there’s a good chance that Seahawks defensive ends Michael Bennett and Chris Clemons will be there after sitting out OTAs. Clemons’ absence was somewhat surprising in that he doesn’t seem to be a lock to make the team after signing a one-year deal that included only $150,000 guaranteed. Bennett’s, though, was entirely expected considering how vocal he’s been since last offseason about wanting a new contract.

Coach Pete Carroll was asked at the start of OTAs if he expected Bennett to show up once his attendance becomes mandatory.

“Yeah, I think that’s what the plan is,” Carroll said last month. “He’s working really hard. He’s sent me videos of his workouts and stuff like that, so we’re staying in touch. We’d love to have him here but it’s his choice.”

That Bennett was sending Carroll videos of his workouts is not only humorous, it also suggests that he isn’t so dug in with his desire for a new deal that he’s willing to forfeit money to help make his point. At least not yet. We’ll find out Tuesday.

Here are a few other storylines worth monitoring during Seattle’s minicamp:

Backup QB situation. Minicamp will be another opportunity for Trevone Boykin to strengthen his case to be Seattle’s No. 2 quarterback, a job that Tarvaris Jackson has held the last three seasons. Jackson is still unsigned and will presumably remain an option for the Seahawks as long as he’s available, and while it may seem to be getting late in the game, remember that he wasn’t re-signed last year until June. That will depend on what the Seahawks see in Boykin. He is no Russell Wilson, but Carroll has noted that his athleticism and mobility would make it easier for the Seahawks to run their desired offense if he had to step in. Brock Huard isn’t sold on Boykin’s accuracy, and his inexperience is another hurdle. The Seahawks have had a veteran at that spot every year under Carroll (Charlie Whitehurst, Matt Flynn and Jackson). A strong showing at minicamp would help Boykin allay some of those concerns, but he has a long way to go before securing the job.

O-line health. Tom Cable has said that the focus for Seattle’s offensive line at this point in the offseason is teaching players the system and getting them ready for training camp. And because live contact is not allowed, blocking can only be simulated. Also, the Seahawks like their offensive linemen to know multiple positions, so a player working at a different spot in practice isn’t necessarily indicative of a permanent switch. For those reasons, there’s only so much that can be gleaned from watching the Seahawks’ offensive line in June. The health of that group bears watching, though, after projected starting tackles Garry Gilliam (knee) and J’Marcus Webb (calf) missed time during OTAs with injuries. Webb did some individual work during the final OTA last week, so he appears to be on the mend. Terry Poole worked at right tackle for Webb while Bradley Sowell has been on the left side in Gilliam’s absence.

Rookie watch. After the Seahawks chose Nick Vannett in the third round, they said they considered him to be the best blocking tight end available in the draft. He hadn’t caught more than 20 passes in any of his four seasons at Ohio State, which further suggested that Seattle wasn’t expecting him to be much of a factor as a pass-catcher. But Vannett has made some plays in the passing game during practices, enough that offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell told “The John Clayton Show” that his receiving ability has been a pleasant surprise. With Jimmy Graham not expected to begin practicing until training camp at the earliest, Vannett should get his share of opportunities. Another third-round pick, running back C.J. Prosise, was sidelined during OTAs due to an issue with his hip flexor. The Seahawks believe his background as a receiver will make him an effective third-down back, and they have an opening at that spot having not brought back Fred Jackson. But Prosise has to be available in order to secure that job. Fifth-round pick Alex Collins is the most physical of the three running backs Seattle drafted. He’s been working behind Christine Michael with starter Thomas Rawls still sidelined. Minicamp will be another chance to gain some ground as he tries to carve out a role in a crowded running-back mix.